HP Calculation for Animal Companions in PFS Play?

[kronovan]

I've been considering a Druid and I'm wondering how the 2 d8 Hit Dice that a starting AC gets are handled in terms of calculating HP.

a) Do they use the same system as a player character; i.e. 8+CON bonus for hit dice 1 with 5 + CON bonus for every other hit dice?

b) Or do they use something similar to the Bestiary; i.e. 5+CON bonus for hit dice 1, and 5+CON bonus for every other hit dice as well?

c) Or is it yet something different than a & b?

[David Bowles]

They get dead average in PFS, which means 4 + CON mod for the first HD and 5 + CON mod for the second. It continues alternating as they increase HD.

[BigNorseWolf]

A critter doesn't have PC classes so they have to take an average. A critter with d8 hit dice has a roll of 4.5 on every single die. Add them up and then round down. Having a full HD at first level is for PC classes.

[Kyle Baird]

=roundown(4.5*HD,0)

[Nefreet]

From the FAQ:

Quote:

How do I determine hit points for my animal companion?

Animal companions receive average hit points per hit die. For d8, the average is 4.5. Multiply 4.5 times the number of hit dice your animal companion has and round down. Recalculate hit points for your companion each time it gains additional hit dice. After its hit points are calculated, add in appropriate bonuses from its Constitution modifier, feats, and so on.

If you're considering a Druid for PFS, the FAQ has some info that you'll want to read up on in addition to calculating hit points.

[kronovan]

Many thanks for all of the replies. After I posted I did check the FAQ and see the HP entry and the others for animal companions. Now I just need to figure out what kind of Druid I'll roll. Every time I look at their weapon selection and combat related special abilities though, I shy away.

[Nefreet]

Don't underestimate the combat strength of a wildshaped Druid. There are dinosaurs (and a hippo) that can really wreck stuff by 6th or 8th level, depending on your build and prep work. Check out the Advice thread if you're looking to build a melee Druid.

[David Bowles]

Why? You pretty easily build an OP druid.